But that kind of declaration was something you read about in romance books. It wasn't my reality. Not as a single mom. I had to plan everything. It wasn't like he could just show up here and have his way with me.
There was no hot-and-dirty sex in my future. Even if Hudson made me long for it with him.
When I wrapped the last present, I hid them in my closet and fell asleep thinking about him watching me in lingerie. I remembered the heat in his eyes as a physical caress on my bare skin.
In my dreams, Wynter wasn't there. It was just Hudson, and he braced one hand on the back of the chaise and another on the side of my head. He leaned in, and said, "I want you."
All I could do was nod, because I wanted him too. He cupped my jaw, then kissed me. It was the most delicious dream. I never wanted to wake up.
The bed bounced, and I opened my eyes. Ayla was jumping on the bed. I wanted to cry because she'd interrupted the best part of the dream. Was Hudson dreaming about me too?
"What are we doing today?" Ayla said, still bouncing on her knees.
"I'm not exactly awake yet. But I think Hudson's coming over today with a surprise."
She stilled, her eyes wide. "A surprise?"
"Yes."
She tipped her head. "What kind of a surprise?"
"The kind you don't know about?" I teased.
She rolled her eyes. "It's always the kind you don't know about. That's what makes it a surprise."
"You want breakfast before he comes over?" I asked to distract her.
She stilled. "When will he be here?"
"He didn't say when. I'm going to take a shower, and then I'll make waffles."
"Yum. Can I watch TV?"
"Sure." I didn't allow it all the time. But it was holiday break, and I needed to shower before Hudson came over. Especially since the image he kept in his head of me was when I'd worn lingerie and had my hair and makeup done.
How could I live up to that image when I was a single mom? That photo shoot was pure fantasy. Although I had to admit the image was amazing on the home page of my shop. I looked like a woman who could conquer the world, and I wouldn't let motherhood stop me from being with a hot guy.
I jumped in the shower, trying not to think about that sexy dream. I rushed through washing my hair and body. Then driedoff and spent too much time picking out a soft sweater and a pair of jeans that looked good on my butt.
In the kitchen, I mixed the batter and cooked a Belgian waffle for us to share. Then I pulled out whipped cream from the fridge and cut up berries.
"Waffle's ready," I called to Ayla.
We sat at the counter, eating together.
"What's Hudson's surprise?" she said between mouthfuls.
"He didn't say."
Her face screwed up. "I'm not sure I like surprises anymore."
I nodded. "Waiting is hard."
"It feels a little like Christmas."
It was funny because I didn't get the Christmas-morning feeling anymore. Not since I was an adult. It was nice to feel excited about something.
I heard an engine in the driveway and turned to find a Sterling Brothers truck parking. "Run and get dressed."
